Working as a travel nurse is a fun and exciting career path. While it may not be for everyone, many people enjoy the challenges and the opportunities that come with being a travel nurse. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a travel nurse:
Travel Nursing Lets You Move Around
When working as a travel nurse, you’ll enjoy the same challenges that all nurses do. After all, you’ll be providing the same level of medical care that permanently stationed nurses do. You, however, will have a chance to work as a nurse almost anywhere in the country that you’d like.
Travel nurses are needed all over the country, and you’ll be able to work anywhere that your qualifications and availability match up with a healthcare facility’s needs. From Maine to Hawaii and Florida to Alaska, there are opportunities for travel nurses everywhere.
You can use these opportunities to:
- Build up your resume by working at a prestigious hospital
- Spend time traveling to different regions
- Visit distant family and friends for an extended period of time.
- Try out potential employers or cities to see if they’re a match for you
For some people, moving around a lot is the main disadvantage of working as a travel nurse. Regularly moving from job to job can put a strain on close relationships, and it makes raising a family difficult.
If you haven’t put roots down yet, however, moving from place to place can be both fun and enlightening. What may be a strain for some nurses, could be just the opportunity you’re looking for.
Travel Nursing Gives You a Flexible Schedule
Travel nurses either work PRN shifts, which are “as-needed shifts” in their areas, or take contract positions. In both cases, you’ll have the option of taking a position or passing on it. Because you aren’t obligated to agree to any specific job, you’re free to seek out opportunities that work for your schedule. You’ll have a flexible schedule because you’ll be in charge of what PRN shifts and contracts you take.
Travel Nursing Pays Well
Few travel nurses earn paid time off, which is one of the few drawbacks of the field. The lack of paid time off, however, is made up by generous pay packages. According to Monster.com:
- Travel nurses make an average of $25 to $40 per hour
- Thirteen-week contracts often have bonuses between $1,000 and $1,500 (although they may vary)
- Travel nurses may receive housing allowances, travel cost reimbursement, benefits and other perks
Become a Travel Nurse
The first step to becoming a travel nurse is to get a nursing degree. To begin the process of becoming a travel nurse, contact us at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Apply to our nursing school, and you could be on your way to an exciting and challenging new career that’s full of potential.